Lloyd Garcia

Lloyd M. Garcia, a cherished husband, father, Po, brother, uncle, cousin,
teacher, coach, and friend passed away peacefully on July 11, 2025,
surrounded by his loving family, after a long fought battle with pancreatic
cancer. He was born in Center, Colorado on June 20, 1954 to Tom A.
and Loyda Garcia.
Lloyd lived his life serving others. As a teacher and coach, Lloyd inspired
many generations of students and athletes over a 38 year span for
Center Schools. After flunking retirement, Lloyd returned to school
serving as both a substitute teacher and member of the Center School
Board for an additional 10 years. In addition, Lloyd served as a board
member for the Center Fire Department. He was also a proud member
of the Knights of Columbus and Elks Lodge.
In recognition of his service as a teacher and coach, Lloyd received
many accolades including the 1997 Governor's Award for Excellence in
Education, induction into the Adams State University Educators Hall of
Fame, the Colorado Dugout Club Coaches Association Hall of Fame,
and the Center High School Athletic Hall of Fame. In addition, the Center
High School baseball field was renamed in his honor in 2015.
However, if you asked Lloyd, he would have said, his greatest gift was
his family. Lloyd is survived by the love of his life, his wife of 50 years,
Lillian Garcia. Together they built their family including their son, Lloyd
John (Michelle) Garcia and daughter Melissa (Isaac) Busolo. Lloyd will
be dearly missed by his beloved grandchildren, Arazeliz, Kaleigha,
Jessa, Isaac Isaiah, and Isabela Grace.
Lloyd was born into a big family. He leaves behind his brothers Tom D.,
Gary, and Fred (Teresa) Garcia, brother in-law Jim Sierra, and sisters
Jenny (Duane) Valdez, Renee (Josue) Olmos, Marie (Ray) Ulibarri, and
Brenda (Dan) Martinez, numerous nephews, nieces, and godchildren.
He is also survived by his uncle Pete (Monica) Garcia. Additionally, he is
survived by his brother in-laws Joe L. (Faye) Arellano, Arthur (Jeanette
"Nena") Arellano, and Charles (Marleen) Arellano.Lloyd was preceded in death by his parents, his in-laws Buddy and
Fidella Arellano, his sisters, Yvonne Garcia and Shirley Sierra and sister
in-laws, Debbie Garcia and Lucille Garcia, nephew Jared Valdez, and
grandchild Jordan Justice Busolo.
A Vigil and Rosary service will be held on Thursday, July 17th, at 6 PM
at St. Francis Jerome Catholic Church in Center, Colorado. The funeral
Mass will be held in the Center Schools Gymnasium on Friday, July 18th
at 10 AM. Burial will follow at the La Garita Cemetery. A meal will be
served after the burial at Center Schools Commons (cafeteria).
We ask that you wear royal blue and white in honor of my dad.
To leave online condolences please visit: romerofuneralhomes.com. Arrangements have been entrusted to Romero Valley Funeral Home of Alamosa.
In lieu of flowers, donations can be made in his name to the SLV Health
Oncology/Infusion Center in Alamosa, Colorado